[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Article by Konrad Laker
As the owner of Gold Travel and a seasoned corporate traveler, I have become aware of the importance of travel insurance – its pro’s and its cons – and let’s face it, we have all been caught uncovered at some stage or another, often at great cost.
Whether you are a domestic traveler or embarking on an international trip the various travel insurance options can seem unnecessary but more often than not it becomes a matter of, “Oh, I wish, I had.”
According to recent research released by International SOS & Control Risks the biggest concerns for travelers have been more about potential terror attacks (70%), the Zika Virus (49%) and civil unrest (46%). However, the less considered but more common and relevant issues like road accidents and adequate healthcare at only 15% are far more worth worrying about and being adequately covered for, given the odds of getting bumped by a bike or coming down with a bug or more likely even a terrorist attack in your neck of the woods?
Domestic Travel
Personal possessions cover
Even if you are going on a short business trip, and depending on the destination, it is well worth taking out travel insurance which includes luggage and money – many a time have I witnessed travelers standing at the luggage conveyer – a woman aghast at her underwear scattered for all to see from an open bag, or the lock from a suitcase missing or cut and your possessions long gone – poof!
Whilst you don’t anticipate any changes to your itinerary it is worth it to pay a little extra for a flexi-ticket should you need to cancel your trip or catch a later flight – you will save a pretty penny.
I would save those pennies for an upgrade to business class – why not?!
International Travel
Medical Insurance
Did you know that road accidents are a major issue worldwide, and one of the top-five causes of medical evacuations?
If you require emergency medical treatment as a result of accidental bodily injury, illness or disease, you will be insured for any medical expenses you may incur, which also includes hospital, out-patient treatment and medication (including dental). And remember, you are then also covered for any medical expenses paid in foreign currency – watch that credit card bounce when you try and swipe a bill for $10 000!
Oh, and remember to look for any exclusions in the policy, because if you are thinking of cliff diving I don’t think you will be covered – this is considered a “hazardous pursuit”.
And heaven forbid you suffer a disability or death – there is this cover to consider too!
Personal liability
This covers you if you damage someone’s property or hurt them in some way – not a good idea – as my wife would say, “Walk away darling!”
Legal
Not too common, but if you have any expenses of a legal nature due to a personal accident or personal liability (note above), for example, this covers at least an element of these.
Personal possessions (luggage, money, passport)
This covers your bags and personal effects while you are travelling including for things such as laptops, cameras and jewellery. There are usually limits on what is covered, but it does mean you’ll receive some compensation for items that are lost or stolen, and if your passport is amongst these, that you will receive a replacement.
Bottom line, travel insurance definitely isn’t just an optional extra – you do need to get yourself covered for any eventuality because you just never know….
Safe travels…
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